I see a lot of forums on this same topic, but most of people based in the USA. I'm in Ireland where our medical system isn't the greatest. So I'm going privately to try and speed things up.

It started back over 6years ago, badly hurt my ankle from gardening. We we digging holes to plant some trees. Initially I was told it's a sprain, take normal precautions. Then as pain and swelling continued my GP told me that it's water retention and gave me tablets... After a year, back and forth with GP, he referred me to consultant who said I'm suffering from Achilles tendinitis. I was given injections into ankle which helped with pain. But after 3injections, approx 6 months apart, the consultant referred me for an MRI, the found out I had an osteochrondral defect and was referred to a foot specialist. On august 2nd 2010, I finally had a debridement and microfracture. I was in a cast for 6weeks. After this op, the surgeon was hopeful this would resolve. I started physio day after cast came off. I had a lot of pain from it, up until January 2011. The pain died down for approx 2months and has now returned, but now it's worse than before. I cannot put weight on my foot, my ankle has gave way 4 times since February. I have been given elastic strap by A&E and advised use crutches for no weight bearing unless necessary. They also provided pain killers and I'm advised to do this until my surgery. The thing is, my pain killers either make me sleepy, nauseous or just don't help with pain.

I've met my new consultant last week (different consultant to 1st surgery). I'm being referred for CT scan, though I had MRI before. This consultant prefers CTs! So now I feel I'm in the same loop as before. I'm fed up of all this and just want to get back to some normality. I've lost so much flexibility (approx 60% says my physio), I cannot stand for long, cannot keep my foot on ground for long even if seated. I'm awake at night, constantly waking with pain. Has anyone else had similar experience? I'd like to know if many people had debridement with no success. Consultant gave me my options- another debridement/microfracture or injections or ankle fusion or OATS.. The consultant seems more focussed on OATS. I'm just afraid that with the OARS, could I damage my knee like my ankle after the debridement as in flexibility. I'm 27, 5"10 and about 74kgs. I like to stay active and have a 7year old daughter. Any help/tips would be greatly appreciated. Joy xx